Discover Shimoga: Nature, Temples and Waterfalls

A large part of Shimoga district lies in the Malnad region, also known as the Sahyadri Mountains. The region brings together landscapes and river areas with temples, historical collections, and opportunities for wildlife and birdwatching. The rail connection is also a useful point of reference when planning your trip: Shimoga Nagar railway station is served by trains to and from Bangalore and Mysore. Check the timetable for your travel dates.

Temples and history

The Ikkeri Aghoreshwara Temple dates back to the 16th century. Its architecture combines Vijayanagara and Dravida traditions—two influences you can compare in a single building. Keladi was the first capital of the Keladi Nayakas. The Keladi Museum houses copper inscriptions, palm-leaf manuscripts, and coins from the Nayaka period, adding to the history of the place with a range of historical evidence.

Near the destination is Koodali, where the Tunga and Bhadra rivers meet. It is also home to a 16th-century Smartha monastery and Hoysala-era temples dedicated to Rameshvara and Narasimha. Koodali thus combines a striking river confluence with religious and architectural attractions.

Waterfalls, rivers and birdwatching

At Jog Falls, the Sharavathi River forms four clearly distinct cascades. During the season, visitors can descend 1,400 steps to the foot of the waterfalls. Two open viewing platforms offer additional vantage points: one is at the main entrance and parking area, and the other is near the inspection bungalow. Visitors can therefore choose between viewing points and—depending on the season—a descent towards the foot of the waterfalls.

The Guduvi Bird Sanctuary covers 73.68 hectares. A survey conducted in 1993 recorded 191 bird species there; this figure therefore refers to a survey from that time. Nearby, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary also offers opportunities for birdwatching: it has an elevated platform, and boats are available for closer observation. The platform and boats provide different perspectives on the birdlife.

The surrounding area is also shaped by other river landscapes. Honnemaradu lies on the backwaters of the Sharavathi River. At B.R.P. Dam, islands in the Bhadra River create a distinctive landscape; visitors can take a boat around the islands. Linganamakki Dam is the main feeder reservoir for the Mahatma Gandhi Hydro Electric Power Unit.

Wildlife and regional highlights

At Tyavarekoppa Lion Safari, the Forest Department regularly organizes recreational and sightseeing trips for visitors. Nearby is Sakrebyle Elephant Camp, a forest camp for captive elephants maintained by the Karnataka Forest Department. Visitors can see bull elephants there at close range.

The region’s food culture is also linked to Sagar: Mr Seetaram Bhat makes Appe Midi, a pickle made from tender mangoes. Further afield, Kodachadri is known as a trekking destination in evergreen forests. Together, these different highlights show how a trip to Shimoga can be focused on history, river landscapes, wildlife, or regional products.

Discover more destinations: Shimoga, Megaravalli, Mattur, Nandodi, Bangalore Urban, Davanagere, Belagavi, Gadag.

For the broader travel overview: Karnataka.